Feds come to town for a look at Hurricane Sandy damage

Federal investigators Tuesday inspected Hurricane Sandy damage throughout Monroe County, a key step in determining whether a disaster declaration and government financial help will come to the region.

DAVID PIERCE

Federal investigators Tuesday inspected Hurricane Sandy damage throughout Monroe County, a key step in determining whether a disaster declaration and government financial help will come to the region.

Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration assessed damaged properties identified by each of the county's 20 municipalities.

"We've seen a lot of wind damage — trees down on homes," said Mike Peele, an SBA construction analyst based in Atlanta.

The assessments will be forwarded to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Gov. Tom Corbett will use the data in his formal request to President Barack Obama for storm-damaged Pennsylvania counties to be declared disaster areas. If the president agrees, impacted businesses will be eligible for low-interest SBA loans and residents will be able to seek FEMA loans and grants.

Those whose properties are insured must tap insurance before getting government help.

People with storm damage will be able to apply for help later, if and when the disaster declaration comes.

"If it gets declared, register with FEMA — even those with insurance," urged Eva Clark, a FEMA individual assistance specialist.

Three teams of federal officials were escorted on their tours by municipal officials and members of the Monroe County Emergency Services Office.

"The local people are the ones showing the damage to us," Peele said.

For more information on the disaster declaration process, visit sba.gov or fema.gov.